December Calendars

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December Principal Message

Parent – Teacher Communication

I have been involved with many associations and committees and with these varied experiences I have come to realize that communication is key. When it comes to your child’s education one thing sticks out:

Parental involvement enhances student success. A first step toward involvement is communicating with your child’s teacher. Effective communication consists of meeting with the teacher, being a positive partner in the learning experience, and keeping lines of communication open. Here are a few ideas to help us all:

• Find out the best way to contact the teacher. Ask for times when it is convenient to talk. Don’t expect them to be able to talk if you happen to be at the school and run into them.
• Write short notes (written or as an e-mail, if allowed) and follow up with a phone message to the school if you don’t get a response in a few days. Be sure to include your phone number and/or e-mail address.
• Be diplomatic, especially in e-mail. Choose words carefully and avoid criticizing the teacher.
• In e-mail communication, be brief, stick to the point. Stick to school-related information in e-mail.
• Be positive and curious. Open with phrases such as “Can we talk about…?” Use “I” statements such as “I’m confused about…” so you don’t put the teacher on the defensive.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to me. I might be able to intervene if you are unable to communicate with your child’s teacher.
• Be a partner in your child’s learning. Assist with homework, help your child learn time management skills, talk about school matters at home.
• Send a note of appreciation to the teacher when things go well in class (and mention this to me).
• It may be difficult to hear what teachers have to say if they deliver bad news about your child. Try to focus on solutions and work with the teacher to come up with a healthy plan to help your child learn.
  

I can’t believe how fast this school year is going. There is so much good happening at McKinley School and thanks to our great staff, PTA, and parents we are seeing much success. This is a great place to be. Our next book fair is December 7 – 9. This might be good time to purchase a Christmas book for your child especially since its BOGO time (buy one get one free).

As usual, it there are any concerns or times for celebration, please stop in my office and visit.

Thanks, Mr. Chadaz

Letters To Santa

It is that time of year to start writing to Santa and The Leader (our local newspaper) is hoping they come from our school. They would like letters from first, second and third graders, short Christmas stories from fifth graders and Christmas art work from fourth graders at our school. They need them in their office by Dec. 9, in order to print them in their Greetings issue.

Thank you!

2012-13 PTA Board

If you would be willing to help on the PTA Board for the 2012-13 school year, please contact Sareena Price.

Food Drive

McKinley Student Council is holding a Food Drive to collect food for the Tremonton Food Pantry. It is a contest to see which class can bring in the most food so please send some non-perishable food items to school with your students and help support our community! They will collect until Tuesday, November 22nd.

Take Home Library Help

The school is in need of some volunteers to help in the Take Home Library on MONDAYS and FRIDAYS! If you are available on Monday and/or Friday mornings and would be willing to help out, please contact Mrs. Ellis at the school ASAP!! WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! It starts at 9 AM and goes until all books are done so the more help the faster it will get done.

Thanks!

Reflections Deadline Extended

Just a note to let you know that the Reflections deadline has been extended to Friday, November 4th. Get those creative juices flowing and turn in an entry to the office. Make sure to print off and fill out an entry form to go with it.

Theme:
Diversity is....